A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines this evening on Tuesday, July 11.
Four Newcastle United defenders must take chance to impress Eddie Howe in crucial few weeks
Newcastle United stars are back for pre-season and a number of Eddie Howe's senior group are facing a big couple of months where their futures are concerned. Gateshead will provide the Magpies with their first pre-season test this weekend before a clash with Scottish giants Rangers for Allan McGregor's testimonial next Tuesday.
The most important set of games come later this month, however, when Howe takes the bulk of his first-team and a select few youngsters to the United States for the inaugural Premier League Summer Series tournament. Newcastle will take on Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton in three different states as the top flight stars are put through their paces.
Howe spoke in depth last summer about the importance of these pre-season trips and this time around will be no different. The Newcastle boss will be watching closely to see which stars are in his immediate plans and which may be heading for the door.
Newcastle United's left-back slot identified as area that must be improved according to Opta researchers
Newcastle United must improve the left-back area for the 2023/24 season - according to Opta analysts.
In a summer report, the Opta Analysts, have assessed the needs of each Premier League club and believe that Eddie Howe's defence must seriously consider signing a new left-sided defender. It is an area that has sparked much debate over the summer already with Arsenal's Kieran Tierney the subject of interest.
Let's get one thing very clear before we go any further in this piece, and my own personal opinion is that the left-back slot is Dan Burn's possession after an impressive campaign. If Burn has a solid pre-season then only a harsh critic could begrudge the crowd favourite from Blyth a place in the starting line-up against Aston Villa.
Newcastle United's three-pronged strategy for success is ready for next big move
As a callow youth I listened enthralled in the stalls at a packed Newcastle Empire as American rocker Eddie Cochran belted out super song after super song with a shuffle and a shrug.
The concert was in March of 1960. Less than a month later Cochran was dead, killed in a car crash at the age of 21 on the final leg of his British tour. Just before he came among us Eddie had recorded 'Three Steps To Heaven' and the title coupled with his tragic death meant it posthumously soared to No 1 in the charts as we bought it in our droves.
The song has remained embedded in my memory. I can hear it now. Three Steps To Heaven. A classic made even more unforgettable by the dripping drama that engulfed it.
You can read more from John Gibson here.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon named in Euro under-21s Team of the Tournament
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon has been named in the European Under-21s Championship Team of the Tournament after an impressive tournament. The 22-year-old, who joined the Magpies from Everton in January, picked up the Player of the Tournament award following England U21s win over Spain.
The Young Lions held their nerve to edge past Spain and win the tie courtesy of a deflected Cole Palmer free-kick credited to Curtis Jones. Gordon was among the standout performers for Lee Carsley's side on route to the final and was handed UEFA's Player of the Tournament award ahead of the trophy lift.
Since then, he's been named alongside five more England players in the Team of the Tournament, with the remaining four players coming from Spain. Gordon operated in a central striking role for England throughout the competition, netting in the group-stage win against Israel and the quarter-final success over Portugal.
“I’m delighted and over the moon,” said Gordon after winning the tournament. “I feel as though I’ve had a good tournament and I don’t want give the cliché because it’s the truth – me winning the [player of the tournament] trophy was down to my teammates and the staff."
Birra Moretti's brilliant Sandro Tonali gesture praised by Newcastle supporters
Dan Ashworth kickstarted Newcastle United's summer transfer window with the signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali much to the delight of supporters. The Italian international has been dubbed one of the stars of the future while also possessing the pedigree to improve the Magpies' squad in the here and now.
The 23-year-old boasts a Serie A title and Champions League experience at such a young age and will be an important figure on Tyneside next season. Tonali has been granted some additional time off given his exploits with Italy in both the UEFA Nations League and the European Under-21s Championship, which was the delay in completing his move to St. James' Park.
The deal was made official at the start of last week and he landed at Newcastle Airport on Wednesday, July 5 to get a first glimpse at his new club. Tonali was shown round the ground and met staff at the Magpies' training ground while also looking for a new house.
It was during this hunt for a new home, the Italian shared a brilliant moment with a young fan, while also presented with a plaque by a fan to welcome him to the club. The memento, which was based on the logo of Italian beer manufacturer Birra Moretti was a nice little touch.
'Really cool' - Bruno Guimaraes gives backing to Dan Ashworth's Newcastle United transfer strategy
Bruno Guimaraes has given his backing to Newcastle United's transfer strategy when it comes to targeting players for the future. The Magpies continue to seek out senior additions to strengthen Eddie Howe's first-team squad, while also remain on the hunt for exciting young prospects.
Newcastle acted fast to land Garang Kuol from Australian side Central Coast Mariners last year and moved equally as quick to land Gambian teenager Yankuba Minteh earlier this summer. The two attacking outlets are expected to spend time away from Tyneside in the next year or two as they learn, grow and develop before trying to force their way into Howe's plans.
“What they [Newcastle] do is pick up kids for the future. They’re picking up 21, 22-year-olds, who in about five years will be at their best, you know?" Guimaraes told the Charla Podcast.
